Water Damage and Mold Concerns Close San Jose State University Building

Late last month, NBC Bay Area reported that San Jose State University has closed one of its buildings to teachers and students. The closure occurred at the Dwight Bentel Hall which houses the School of Journalism and Mass Communications just as the new semester was getting underway.

According to the report, the closure was the result of a steam leak under the building and concerns over the possibility of mold in the building. While the problem is being resolved, students and teachers are using other buildings for the time being.

High levels of mold are known to cause a variety of health concerns. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.”

“Allergic reactions are one of the most common reactions to high levels of indoor mold,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It can cause such symptoms as headaches, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes and skin rashes. Mold is also a known asthma trigger and for people with a weakened immune system, some types of mold found in water damaged buildings can even result in infections. For all of these reasons, it is important that people do not live, work or go to school in buildings with elevated levels of mold.”

LA Testing provides comprehensive laboratory testing services and all of the sampling supplies necessary to help identify the presence of mold and other potential airborne contaminants in homes and buildings. To learn more about testing for mold or other IAQ issues, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.